What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tailing
Example
The detective was tailing the suspect to gather evidence. [tailing: verb]
Example
The journalist was accused of tailing the celebrity to get a scoop. [tailing: gerund or present participle]
shadowing
Example
The bodyguard was shadowing the VIP to ensure their safety. [shadowing: verb]
Example
The intern was shadowing the CEO to learn more about the company's operations. [shadowing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tailing is more commonly used than shadowing in everyday language. Tailing is often associated with detective work or investigative journalism, while shadowing is more commonly used in the context of personal protection or learning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tailing and shadowing?
Both tailing and shadowing are informal terms and are not typically used in formal writing or speech.
